Civic buildings, which include places as diverse as libraries, town halls, post offices, opera houses, public squares and government buildings, are central landmarks in our town and cities.

Historically, the success of civic architecture was defined by how we experienced the institutional values and the collective aspiration of civilization. Civic institutions helped to define an identity for citizens and instil a sense of pride, and these buildings and the surrounding public realm often became the foundations of a civil society and the cornerstone of democracy. This is important context as local authorities consider how to re-purpose civic buildings and create alternative business models that allow the architecture to be celebrated yet serve a new purpose.